If you're looking for
a happening, female-friendly kind of city, Toronto is definitely
it! The museums, restaurants, shopping and theatre are world-class.
The public transit system is clean, safe, efficient and
doesn't cost a fortune to ride. Worried about going out
alone in the evening? Don't be.The local gals do it all
the time. Toronto is not only a perfectly sensible getaway
for those living in Canada, it's an absolute steal for those
travellin' women coming from countries whose currency is
worth a whole lot more. Stay for a weekend and get a tiny
taste of the city. Stay for a week and you'll still leave
Toronto wanting more. Highly recommended!

Her suitable sleeps...

Toronto is a very
big city with big city choices. From the most posh to the
more modest, there are hotels, bed & breakfasts, and hostels
to suit your need and budget.

$$$$$If money is no object,
you'll enjoy luxuriating at the Four Seasons Hotel (21 Avenue
Road) located in the chic Bloor-Yorkville area (...the last
time Journeywoman popped in for a visit, I shared an elevator
with "the" singer, Rod Stewart. M-m-m-m!). Want to rub shoulders
with guests in the entertainment industry? Try the sophisticated
Sutton Place Hotel (955 Bay) with a concierge staff of four
females to answer your every women-centered whim. Want to
stay where "English Royalty" stays? Then be queen-for-a-day
at the Royal York, 100 Front Street West.

$$$Less regal but very
clean, practical, and beautifully located is the Quality
Hotel in midtown Toronto. This Annex-based neighborhood
hotel is within walking distance of great ethnic restaurants,
the University of Toronto campus, a subway (across the street
) and the most exclusive shopping in town. Call 416.968.0010
for info.

$$If you're a B&B kind
of woman, you'll want to contact Bed & Breakfast Homes of
Toronto. This is a co-op of inviting accommodations (many
women-owned), each with their own unique ambiance, each
conveniently located close to public transportation. Call
416.363.6362 and choose the home and the neighborhood you'd
like to stay in. To visit their website, click here.

$
Female hostellers are definitely in luck in Toronto. At
Global Village Backpackers, a gal-on-a-budget can get 6
to 10-bed dorm accommodation for just $25.00 CAD per night,
4 beds per room at $28 and a private room with double bed
for $60. Further discounts if you have an ISEC or Hostelling
International card. This hostel is located at 460 King Street
West, right in the heart of all the action -- theaters,
bars, shopping. It's very clean, well-run and (as a safety
precaution) hostellers need a number code to get in after
11 P.M. (code changes every night). Call 1.888.844.7875
toll-free in North America to find out more or visit their
website, at http://www.globalbackpackers.com.

Gal-friendly stuff
to know about the Toronto subway...

Hats off to the Toronto
Transit Commission for doing their women-centered homework!
The TTC understands that the number one concern of the female
traveller is her safety -- especially since she is not completely
familiar with the city, or the transit system itself.

Going in and out
of the subway stations there are security mirrors placed
at corners to ensure that a female can always be aware
of people around the other side.

Every subway stop
has a well-lit designated waiting area (DWA) where
females can wait for the train. This DWA is monitored
from the ticket collector's booth by closed circuit TV
and a voice intercom system. The guard's car on each train
stops right at the DWA so that female passengers can always
have a TTC employee riding with them and keeping an eye
on things.

There are cameras
and intercoms at all unattended, automatic entrances.

There are easily
identifiable Passenger Assistance Alarm strips
above the windows in all subway cars. Help can be there
in minutes if this alarm is pressed.

Taking a city bus
solo after dark? The Request Stop Program allows
women travelling alone to get off buses at locations on
the route rather than regular TTC stops. It's in effect
seven days a week from 9 p.m. (or when the street lights
come on, whichever is later) until 5 a.m. All you need
to do is let the driver know one stop ahead of where you
want to get off. P.S. To be extra sure, women are asked
to leave the bus by the front doors. The rear doors remain
closed so that no one can follow you from the bus. How's
that for gal-friendly service?

For fares and further
information, call the Toronto Transit Commission 416.393.4636
or visit their website at
http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/ttc/index.htm(Source: Journeywoman Files, Your Safety Partner leaflet
and A Rider's Guide -- Safety and Security on the TTC)

Loads of great running
trails...

Running
or jogging alone can be daunting. Toronto has a lot of great
running trails, but if you're a women coming to this big
city for the first time, you won't know where to go for
a good run and how to stay safe. I suggest you call the
Running Room (416.762.4478). This Canadian
running franchise has running groups leaving from their
various storefront locations each Wednesday evening and
Sunday morning. Everyone is invited to run with the group,
no fee, no membership required. If these times aren't convenient,
call up or drop over to the location nearest you, and the
staff will be more than happy to recommend safe and appropriate
routes. By the way, if you're in the market for a good pair
of running shoes, once again I highly recommend the Running
Room. All the staff are enthusiastic runners and know how
to fit the right shoe to the right runner.Erica Ehm, TV Personality,
Toronto

She's on location in
Toronto...

The city of Toronto
is known as Hollywood North and on any given day, there
are between 18-40 productions being shot here. Don't be
surprised if you come upon a film crew at work or even recognize
a famous face is front of the camera. Actor spottings have
included...